Early Persecution of the Lord's Churches

Holidays are over, diets have started, 'catching up' from time off ended; now we get back to routine. We left off our study of Baptist History with that of heresy. Heresy was invading the church though the Jews and their legalism, gnostics and their 'special knowledge,' and more. Of course, these heresies were battled by TRUTH. Seeing that heresy cannot defend itself against Truth, a new attack commenced from heresy's adherents-PERSECUTION!

The first persecutions we read of in Scripture is that from the Jews (Acts 4:21; 5:40; 7:58; and 8:1-3). At first they were focused upon individuals, but soon it spread to an outright persecution of our Lord's churches. As you read of the Gospel being preached throughout Israel and then into Europe, it is first the Jews that persecuted God's preachers. For the Jews, it was a stumbling block (Isaiah 8:14). While they should have seen the pictures of the Messiah in the Old Testament come to realization in Christ; instead they rejected Him and attacked those that pointed out their sin of rejecting and crucifying our Lord. There were stonings, beatings, forsaking all from the Jews towards those they designated slanderously "Christians" (Acts 11:26).
Persecution though had only begun and its beginning minuscule to what it would become. Soon came the Roman persecutions. There were two reasons why the Romans began a persecution of Christians. First was the Christian's open rebuke of idolatry and sensuality. The Roman culture was one of gross sensuality and entertainment and idolatry of man and man made gods. The Truth preached at the Lord's churches rebuked such culture and forbid the practice thereof. One must ask why the world would seek to persecute a teaching that does not persecute it. It was true then as it is now, that the world attacks because of conviction and exposure of its own faults. The world and even 'Christians' today attack the Truth not because it attacked them, but because it exposes their faults and shortcomings.
Another reason why a Roman persecution began was due to this preaching: "None but Christ!" Caesar claimed that he was a god and demanded worship. The first great persecution came under the wicked Emperor Nero (A.D. 53-68). Upon the burning of much of Rome (A.D. 64), Nero blamed the Christians and a severe persecution of Christians ensued. We read in Outline of the Church by Centuries by McSorley the following:

They were punished with cruel torments, covered with the skins of wild beasts, worried to the death by dogs, nailed to the cross, burned to serve as torches at night. He (Nero) offered his own garden for this spectacle.

This persecution continued under the reign of Domitian (A.D. 81-96). He decreed "no Christian should be exempt from punishment without renouncing his religion." It is difficult to believe, but he was more sadistic than Nero. It is not my intention to write another history book, but one can easily research and study the historic fact of the persecution of the Lord's churches. While they were not the only ones persecuted, they were indeed all over the world persecuted. Oddly enough though, the more they were persecuted, the more they increased. Persecution sent them scattering to all parts of the world. The Gospel and the Truth was taken to the world just as the Lord directed it should (Matt. 28:19-20). The book of 2 Peter was written by Peter to believers suffering under these persecutions. While Satan, no doubt, sought the destruction of the Lord's churches and the Gospel, he soon realized his efforts were in vain. Peter encouraged the churches to keep preaching Truth and despite persecution to stand strong!

For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness; sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness an fear; Having a good conscience; that; whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

I highly recommend the reading of the Book The Martyrs Mirror for further study of the persecution of Truth over the centuries. It can be purchased from Challenge Press Here: http://www.baptist-books.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=BHCP&Product_Code=127&Category_Code=

The Baptist Standard

On our platform to your right, you will find standing a new flag, the Baptist Standard. As we learned this past year, the modern day “Christian Flag” was designed and created by a Protestant to stand for all “Christendome.” The World Book Encyclopedia (Vol. 3, 1967, pg. 405) reads, “The Christian Flag has been the emblem of Protestant Churches since 1897.” This flag is not a Baptist flag but a Protestant flag! It is the emblem of Protestant churches, not Baptist Churches. Somewhere in the twentieth century, we came to accept the emblem of Protestant churches as fitting us. By publicly displaying the emblem, we are thereby saying what we do not believe-in essence saying, “we are Protestant.” We are not Protestant! While I do believe in the Kingdom of God, I do not agree with the definition of the Kingdom of God that a Protestant will give you. We do not believe in an universal, invisible church.

Isaiah 6:10 reads, “Go through the gates: prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people.” We felt it time that we as Baptist had a standard to lift up…the Baptist Standard. For months now, my music minister Jeff Allen and I have been praying and designing this Baptist Standard. The Lord has blessed Bro. Allen with a tremendous talent, and he was used of the Lord to make this flag a reality.

You will notice first its crimson banner, for without the blood of Christ we would have no salvation. The crimson banner also is a memorial of those faithful martyrs who shed their blood to stand for the Truth in the face of evil dignitaries, persecutors, and apostates.


You then observe the Pillar and Ground of Truth, which 1 Timothy 3:15 designates as the church. It is the Lord’s churches that have been given the responsibility to uphold the truth of God’s Word.

Then there is the Triangle which represents the Holy Trinity, our Triune God: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. The Scripture in that Triangle reads: “Throughout all ages, world without end.” This is referring to Ephesians 3:21 which reads: “Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end.”

You will then notice the Pillar and Ground of Truth is upholding the Word of God, for us-a KJV Bible. Above that is a globe and a cross which represents the church’s Great Commission to evangelize, baptize, and teach the world salvation and the Word of God.

Below that is what distinguishes the Lord’s churches from all others, the two ordinances which the church is to keep: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. It is these two ordinances that cost our martyrs their lives, and these two ordinances which we must keep!

Finally, there is the Flame. This flame represents the duty of the Lord’s churches to be Keepers of the Flame; to pass down the Truth from generation to generation until the Lord calls us home.

There is no pledge, this is not an idol or a symbol of arrogance; but rather a statement and a stand that this is what we believe. This flag doesn't unite all of Christendome, but separates Truth from error. I thank the Lord for the Truth of His Word and pray by His grace we will continue to stand.

Heresy History

Heresy is one of the churches greatest enemies and has been such since the beginning of the Lord's Church. Romans 16:17 and 1 Timothy 1:10 warn churches to recognize, mark, and avoid those that preach and practice heresy. Heresy abounds today and must be recognized, marked, and avoided. Many of today's most popular preachers and pastors are those whose teaching is heresy. Who am I to make such a statement? I am no one; but God's Word is Truth and teaching/preaching that does not line up with Scripture is heresy, a contrary doctrine. We as saints must be able to tell the difference between Truth and fiction-especially spiritually. It does not matter how large a church one pastors or how many books they have written. It does not matter that "some" of what is taught is Truth-that is the most dangerous type of heresy. . We are quick to use Scripture such as 2 John vs. 10 to not allow these heretical teachers in our doorway at our homes; yet their books are on our book shelves, their radio programs are playing in our cars, and their broadcasts are on our television sets. We must beware!
Heresy is nothing new, for it, as the church, has a long history. We first find heresy in the Judaism attempting to infiltrate the early churches. In Acts 15 there was a false teaching being introduced into the church that one must be circumcised or "ye cannot be saved." The Jews were used to rituals, and many that were saved found it difficult to leave their old customs. This false teaching was immediately exposed and corrected (vs. 11) "But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they." According to Doug Hammett in The History of Baptist,"there were three groups of Jewish 'Christians' with Judaistic tendencies:
1. Nazarenes-represented by the more 'moderates.' They maintained customs but accepted Paul's ministry.
2. Ebionites-openly taught the need for strict observance of law by all Christians. They ultimately came to reject Paul and his writings and developed the doctrine of Unitarianism.
3. Elkesaites-more of a secret society, philosophic and ascetic. The denied the deity of Christ."
The early foundation for cults were being laid down: works salvation, denying of Scripture, and rejecting the deity of Christ.
The Nicolaitanes are mentioned in Rev. 2:6, 15 as believing "which thing(s) I hate." The Lord recognized, marked, and told us to avoid such. Who were the Nicolatians? Their name means 'to conquer the people.' There false teaching was that of church hierarchy which the Catholics and such ran with. (there are sadly many 'dictatorial pastors' in Baptist churches today as well). It is the Church who our Lord has given the authority to.
Another heresy early was Gnosticism. Gnosticism was addressed by Paul in the book of Colossians greatly. It had its origins in Judaism and developed into a mixture of religious philosophy. The word 'Gnostic' means "I know". Gnostics believed they had special knowledge above that of normal believers. How this abounds today-ask Joseph Smith, Mary Eddy, Mohammad, Oral Roberts followers. They will tell you about their 'special knowledge.'
The heresy of Balaamism (Rev. 2:14). Balaam's doctrine was that of corruption, mixing paganism and pure religion. This abounds today in the inter/non denominational 'any thing goes' churches; Catholicism; and worldliness centered 'churches.'
One could talk of the Traditions and philosophies that were being introduced into churches-but the bottom line is this: Heresy was infiltrating the church early. Christians were warned immediately to recognize, mark, and avoid heresy. Those in the early church were characterized by 'proving' and 'preaching' Truth. Sadly today, we step around and dumb down Truth. Our 'offend nobody' philosophy does not work well with the Biblical command to separate.
Heresy has been around the church since the church's beginning, and continues to abound today; we must know the Truths of the Word of God and stand strong!

Seeds of Church Problems

We now come to the latter part of the first century churches where seeds of problems were being planted and some even reaped. One area of concern was that of "Second Generation" Christians. There was a lukewarmness about them that made our Lord sick (Rev. 2 &3). False doctrine was being allowed in and considered by churches. This did not go unnoticed as Paul wrote about these things in 2 Timothy; Peter wrote an epistle on the matter in 2 Peter; John wrote about the problems in 1 John; and Jude addressed it as well in the book of Jude.
It is a trait unfortunately seen today in second generation Christians. A complacency mixed with a lack of Truth will always equal corruption. Our churches are becoming vacant as 'second generation' Christians seek something "New, better, more exciting, refreshing"....a.k.a. doctrine contrary to the Word of God/Flesh Pleasing.
When Jerusalem fell in A.D. 70 there was a great change in the complexion of Christianity. There was prior to this a great Jewish influence upon churches (some not good), which was severed with the fall of Jerusalem.
We do mark some important traits of these first century churches. They were independent churches, they were led by pastors, they kept the ordinances, and they were remaining pure in the faith. Unfortunately this did not go unnoticed by its enemies as seeds were being planted to attack these Biblical traits.
The seeds of 'big church domination/mega church/empire church' were being planted (Acts 15:1,2) though the church at Jerusalem was careful to 'trouble not' the church at Antioch (vs. 19). In A Concise History of the Baptists by G.H. Orchard, he writes:

During the first three centuries, Christian congregations, all over the East, subsisted in separate independent bodies, unsupported by government, and consequently without any secular power over one another."

These seeds are being reaped today and seen in the church Hierarchy of Catholicism and such and amongst Baptist as well in the Big church influencing the 'little church' to do it there way (ie "Pastor's School/Baptist Friends etc). Nothing wrong with a large Scriptural church, but there aren't just many good examples around to point to these days. It seems like many of the 'large churches' have pushed aside the KJV, standards, closed communion, alien baptism, etc in order to stay a 'large church.' They keep their pews full with their colleges and their pulpits "hot" with IAN PAISLEY, RICK WARREN-ITES, and such....I must go on, but you get the picture.
Though pastors were still leading churches by example and instruction, the seeds of 'priestly' offices and 'duties' were being sown as seen in 2 John 9, "those abiding not in the doctrine of Christ." There has always only been one way to God, there is only way to God, and there will only be one way to God for all mankind-through Jesus Christ our Lord alone!
Though churches were keeping the ordinances as they should, the seeds of sacramentalism were being planted as evidenced in Acts 15:1: "Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved." This of course was heresy taught by a sect of Pharisees; still, seeds for a works salvation were being planted.
Though churches were still pure in the faith, seeds of idolatry and heresy and paganism were being sown as evidenced in Revelation 2 & 3.
I just finished preaching through the books of 1 and 2 Peter. In 1 Peter, Peter taught and comforted the church in dealing with outside persecutions by Nero and such. In 2 Peter, Peter warned against Satan's other attack by corruption from within. The persecution had begun earlier as even Saul (Paul) was doing such; but as Satan soon found out, the more the churches were persecuted the quicker they grew. So, the tool of corruption was exercised and is still being used today. That is why our churches must know Truth-the Word of God! We have accepted for too long an 'entertaining style of preaching' that teaches only issues and pet peeves that has left our churches without a knowledge of the Word of God, weak, impotent, and susceptible to heresy.
Some of that heresy began to creep into the church amongst a 'second generation' membership that was luke warm and apathetic. We shall study those heresies and how they moved in next week.

OH, and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Brief Intermission

We pause for a brief intermission in our study of the Church's Past to consider a thought. I was reared Baptist. I was reared conservative. I was reared to have standards. I was reared to stand for Truth. I praise the Lord for parents who saw to just that. I praise the Lord for His leading in my life in the Baptist Academies He saw that I attended. I thank the Lord for my four years at Fairhaven Baptist College where I grew and matured and 'sobered up' spiritually like never before. I thank the Lord for all that He taught me while serving at Cozaddale Baptist Temple as an assistant pastor. How I thank the Lord for what He has shown me while serving Him as pastor at Cozaddale Baptist Temple. What a wonderful church He has blessed me with! How I thank the Lord for a mature/maturing church, a church with high standards, strong doctrine, God-honoring music, and a spirit of learning and a love for Scripture. God is good!
I say all that to point this out. My family, my churches I have attended, the academies I have attended, the college I attended all stood for and practiced high standards! I saw and experienced ridicule and scorn for those stands. I have seen people leave Scriptural churches over areas they proclaimed were 'no big deal.' People want to make dress standards, music standards, dating standards, etc into what they proclaim 'non important issues;' yet it is those issues that lead them to leave a Scriptural church. It surely seems to me to be a 'big issue' if you must leave a church over it! Believe me, I've seen people leave over these 'non important issues.'
But now I come to my main point. I have never seen people get more belligerent over any issue as I have Baptist Doctrine. I must confess, our theme this year was "Answers to Questions" and we have looked at Baptist Doctrine and studied it from God's Word, we have had a Baptist Heritage Conference and looked at our past, and we have had a "Why I'm A Baptist" conference and studied just why we choose to be a Baptist. This has upset the apple cart far more than any standard taught and upheld!
By that I mean that yes, a few members have left due to us being 'too Baptist,' but the oddest thing is the ridicule and attack from outside our church. It has not come from the Non-Denominationalist, Charismatics, Catholics, or a cult; but 'Baptist.' Rumors, lies, scorn, and ridicule and unfortunately, not one pastor has called me to discuss anything.
Please let me answer the gossip:
1. NO, we do not believe that only Cozaddale Baptist Temple is going to be the ONLY Bride of Christ. What a foolish statement. What do we believe? Simply put, we believe that the bride of Christ are those churches that have prepared themselves by adhering to New Testament Doctrine. There must be salvation, Scriptural Baptism, and adhering to the New Testament doctrine. Now if one chooses to not agree with that statement, it really does not bother me. I have not quite grasped why someone would be so belligerent over the matter, for if they truly believe what they believe that all are part of the bride, then they and our church will both be fine. I do not believe just because 'Baptist' in on the church sign that a church is Scripturally correct, it must be practiced. Consider: The Bride "his wife hath made herself ready" (Rev. 19). There is preparation that must be accomplished for the wife to make herself ready. If one holds to a 'everyone is part of the bride' philosophy, then doesn't it constitute some 'works' to prepare yourself? This is of course not the only reason I stand as such, but to be considered.
2. Yes, we did get rid of our "Christian Flag." I have discussed this here: http://cozaddalechronicles.blogspot.com/2010/06/prove-it.html It was created by a Protestant as sign of 'unity' for the 'body' and 'kingdom' of God. I do not align with those that do not hold to true doctrine and cannot for Scripture has forbidden it:

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. Romans 16:17

Good News Though, we have designed and produced a Baptist Flag bearing the Word of God, the Ordinances, and the church being the Pillar and Ground of Truth.
I could go on, but my point is I believe we are living in the last days and there is and will be a 'falling away' (2 Thess. 2:3). That is why this year we have studied Church Practices, Church Pretenders, and now the Church's Past-for we must know what is Truth and what to stand upon. We will continue our study next week on the church's past, but I felt it necessary to clear the air, invite questions should there be any, and refocus as to why we study such. It does matter what you believe and the church has been entrusted with the Truth! May we be that Pillar and Ground of Truth!

Paul's Part

The Lord's churches were growing in number, blessings, and persecutions from without. One of the great persecutors of the early church was Saul of Tarsus. This same Saul who hated all those that called upon the name of the Lord was to be used mightily of the Almighty God. While on his way to Damascus to further persecute Christians, the Lord met him along the way (Acts 9). On that road, Saul was converted and put his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Soon after, his name was changed to Paul, his passion was changed to Christ, his purpose was changed to righteous, and his work would change the world.
The church at Antioch had become the great missionary center of the day, and it was from this church that Paul and his companions were sent out on three great missionary journeys.
The First Journey resulted in the establishment of churches in Salamis and Paphos, Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, Derbe, and Perga (Acts 13-14).
The Second Journey resulted in the opening up of Europe to the Gospel with churches being founded in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth (Acts 15-18).
The Third Journey involved the revisiting and strengthening of these churches and others (Acts 18:23-21:26).
It is important to note that Paul was sent under the authority of the church at Antioch (Acts 13). Each church established, was established therefore under the authority of the church at Antioch. These churches would send out men to evangelize other regions and more churches would be established.
Paul would be the Lord's instrument in taking the Gospel to the Gentiles (2 Tim. 1:11). Following these journeys, Paul would be taken to Rome and eventually beheaded and die a martyr's death in AD 68.
Much could be written about the ministry of Paul, but one can read of all this in Acts-Philemon in the New Testament. He was used of God to be the human author of most of the New Testament. He would be used to give to us much doctrine, teaching, and instruction for our faith and practice.
The Apostle Paul played an important role in seeing the Lord's churches multiplied. Again it is important to review that the Lord Jesus started the church, gave to it His authority, and the church at Jerusalem would start other churches. One such church was the church at Antioch which sent out the apostle Paul who started numerous churches. Each of these churches were independent and autonomous from any authority apart from the Lord and His Word.
The Apostle Paul played an integral part in the evangelism and establishment of other churches. These churches would grow and send out other evangelists of which we will continue our study.

Ecclesia Explosion

When the Lord ascended into Heaven, He left behind an assembly of baptized believers ready to carry on the work of Christ (a church). He told that church when He ascended in Acts 1:8 "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." He then ascended up to Heaven as the church stood gazing. They then went to an upper room and continued with one accord in prayer and supplication with the church. Following a business meeting of the church in Acts 1, the church continued in one accord until that day of Pentecost when the church experienced something wonderful.
On that day of Pentecost and the days to follow soon after, the church there at Jerusalem grew rapidly. From that small group listed in Acts 1:14-15 which we know total there was nearly 500 (1 Cor. 15:6), to soon an estimated membership of over 25,000! Quite the explosion!
That church would meet at Solomon's Porch at the Temple (Acts 5:12), private homes (Acts 12:12-NOT THE SAME AS THE MODERN DAY HOUSE CHURCH MOVEMENT WHICH IS UNSCRIPTURAL), and was pastored by the apostles with Peter seemingly taking the leadership (Acts 1:15). That church grew so much that soon the pastors could not meet the needs of the widows and such, and so that church elected deacons (Acts 6) who served the church.
The membership of this church at this time was Jewish and consisted of three types of Jews:
1. Hebrews-Jews from Palestine that maintained a Jewish lifestyle
2. Grecians-Hellenistic Jews of the Dispersion who were Greek speaking and had adopted the world's culture
3. Proselytes-Gentiles who had embraced Judaism and received circumcision
(**Sadly even then there was the beginnings of a 'church split' amongst these different groups within the church-Acts 6-and that is why deacons were chosen).
It is true that God's plan for missions was to take the Gospel to the Jew first and then the Gentiles (Luke 24:47, Acts 1:8). Beginning at Jerusalem and then according to Acts 1:8 to Judaea, Samaria, and to the rest of the world.
The Lord would show in this pattern the authority of His church and then other churches would be started with that Authority of that Authority. Let us examine the Acts 1:8 pattern in action:
1. The receiving of power after the Holy Ghost is come upon you.
We see this take place in Acts 2 on the day of Pentecost. On that day the Holy Ghost (as promised by the Saviour) came and was received by that early church. There were many 'devout men' in Jerusalem at that time who came and visited the church and heard Peter deliver a powerful message and as a result repented, were saved, and then also received the Holy Ghost (upon salvation) and were baptized.
2.Witnesses unto me in Jerusalem. That day 3,000 in Jerusalem were saved, baptized, and added unto the church. They "continued steadfastly in the apostle's doctrine and fellowship...and the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."
3. Witness in all Judaea In Acts 10 we see Peter with a group of believers from the church at Jerusalem going to Caesarea (the capital city of Judaea), and visiting with Cornelius. After preaching there, many were saved, received the Holy Ghost (upon salvation-it is important to note here that Peter did not have to lay his hands upon them in order to received the Holy Ghost; our Lord was teaching Peter and the Jews that the same Gospel, same God, same Holy Ghost was for the Gentiles as it was for them) and were baptized under the authority of the church at Jerusalem (Acts 10:47-48). Now the Jews and Gentiles in Jerusalem and Judeae had had received the Gospel. (Acts 11:1)
4. Witness in Samaria. In Acts 8, Philip was sent from the church at Jerusalem to Samaria (vs. 5). Here the people of Samaria heard the Truth and "believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women" under that authority there at Jerusalem. (Important to note, here Peter and John came to see the believers and laid their hands on them in order form them to receive the Holy Ghost-this is because the Samaritans had a different place of worship in Mt. Gerizim than the Jewish Temple-John 4:21-22, but as our Lord told the woman of Samaria "the hour cometh when ye shall neither in the mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem worship the Father...for salvation is of the Jews." It was not God's will that the Samaritan's have a separate worship than the Jews any longer; thus the Samaritans had to recognize the authority of the church that Jesus began by the laying on of hands by Peter and John in order to receive the Holy Ghost.) Now the Gospel was preached in Jerusalem, Judaea, and Samaria and all recognized the authority of the church Jesus started and the importance of having proper authority.
5. Witness unto the uttermost part of the earth.The Lord permitted persecution to come upon the church at Jerusalem to accomplish His purpose (Acts 8:14) and soon the Gospel was being preached unto the world through men such as Paul. In Acts 19 Paul met some disciples of John in Corinth who had obviously missed the preaching of John. Paul corrected their thinking and they too believed and were baptized Scripturally. Here Paul lays his hands upon them and they receive the Holy Ghost (again a recognition of proper authority). Now in Jerusalem, Judeae, Samaria, and the world was the Gospel being preached, souls were being saved, and people were getting baptized. The Holy Ghost from this point on will only be seen being received upon salvation-just as we received the Holy Ghost. God's purpose in that was to establish to all regions the Truth of God's Word and proper Authority.
The church had gone from the Lord and His disciples to 100's of thousands of believers across the world, just as the Lord said it would. What growth-what Ecclesia explosion! Now, with the Gospel and proper authority, churches would be established and our Lord uses a man named Paul to continue this great work.